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Jaime Costiglio

build - paint - sew

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DIY Painted Pipe Base Wood Desk

July 30, 2018

Working with pipe is like building with legos, all the pieces need to fit together in a specific order to make something awesome.  This painted pipe desk I made for my son had me feeling like a kid playing with legos again.  Fitting the pieces, attaching, screwing and unscrewing until it all came together just right.  Today I have the plans for this desk so you can make your own.

wood desk with pipe base

Build a super strong but beautiful desk with a pipe base and wood top using my free plans. This painted pipe base is like legos for adults!

painted pipe desk base

I used 1″ galvanized steel pipes for this desk base (except the back cross support is 3/4″), it’s strong and sturdy and pretty much indestructible.

pipe desk base detail

And painted it a fun glossy green for a touch of color against the navy walls and wood floors.  I shared all about the wood top stain process in a previous post here and today I have the free plans to build this desk.

varathane stained wood desk top

You could definitely make it deeper or wider to fit your space.  It’s worth noting these galvanized steel pipes are available in standard lengths but you can also have them cut to size if you’re wanting a specific fit.

pipe base wood desk base dimensions

Click here for a printable version of the pipe base wood desk free plans.

pipe base wood desk top

To make the top I used 2×6 boards ripping off the curved edge for a more snug, flat surface.  I then joined the boards using wood glue and biscuits (optional) and two cross supports underneath.

desk tabletop ripping jig

To rip the curved edge off I made a jig with a stopper to help keep the board steady.  You could also clamp to your workbench.  I suggest cutting the 8 foot board into two pieces and then ripping.

desk tabletop ripping jig from above

This view from above shows the board to be ripped on top of the plywood base with the stopper attached.  Place the accu-cut on top of the board with an 1/8″ peeking out to be ripped off.

ripped 2x6 with straight edge

Rip off an 1/8″ to get rid of that rounded edge.

ripped 2x6 board before and after

You can definitely see the difference between the rounded edge on the off-the-shelf board and the ripped board.

desk tabletop marking for biscuits

Line up the boards and mark for biscuits.  Make the biscuit slots using a biscuit joiner.

desk tabletop glue on seams

Apply glue liberally, insert biscuits and clamp all the pieces together.

desk tabletop trimming length

Once dry trim the rough edge to your desired length.

desk tabletop underside

For details on how I finished this wood desk top see my post here.

To make the pipe base construct two opposing side panels as per the above diagram.

desk pipe base before paint

Then add the back cross support piece and the base is ready for paint.

pipe base wood desk base dimensions

stained wood desk pipe base primed 700

I choose to use primer only because I had a mix of black steel and galvanized pipes so I wanted to ensure an even paint job.

spray painted pipe desk base

Then I sprayed two coats Rustoleum gloss in meadow green.  Be sure it’s dry in between coats.

wood desk painted pipe base 700

Set the pipe base in position, place the wood top on top and then attach from the underside.

pipe base wood desk base to top

pipe base for wood desk back leg detail

Check for level again now that all the pieces are assembled.  You can unscrew to raise one leg or screw tighter to lower, that’s the beauty of working with threaded pipe.  It’s very forgiving when you need to adjust.

varathane stained desk top with painted pipe base

I hope you enjoy this project.  Please be sure to share your versions on social media and tag me, I love seeing what readers create.

Instagram / Pinterest / Facebook / Twitter

SHOP THIS PROJECT:

do it yourself pipe base desk

 

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Filed Under: BUILD, DESKS, DIY, FURNITURE, FURNITURE, KIDS BEDROOMS, PAINT, SALTBOX PROJECTLeave a Comment

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